Plates

If dental crowding is noted in a young child, removable orthopaedic plates can be used from the age of six to eight years. Orthodontic braces may follow at a later stage in order to expand the dental arches or maintain premolar spaces, avoiding the need for dental extractions later on.

Wearing an orthodontic plate can make it more difficult to keep teeth and gums healthy. The success of your child’s orthodontic treatment will be affected by how well their mouth is cared for as well as their plate.

Caring for teeth with plates

To ensure good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, brush thoroughly after eating using a fluoride toothpaste and a small soft toothbrush. You may choose to use an orthodontic toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.

Remove the plate and let your child brush and floss their teeth as usual. Ensure that gum areas that are covered by the plate and the roof the mouth are gently brushed.

You can then use the toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean their plate and rinse it with cool water before putting it back in their mouth.

Occasionally, it may be beneficial to use a disclosing tablet to check you are removing all the plaque. Disclosing tablets dye plaque that has been left behind enabling you to see it clearly. Disclosing tablets can be purchased from supermarkets or pharmacies.